Australian Trade Minister Slams Palm Oil Labeling Bill

Law360, San Diego (August 23, 2011, 6:21 PM EDT) -- An Australian bill seeking to mandate the labeling of palm oil in food would breach the country’s obligations under the World Trade Organization and stick businesses with $150 million in compliance costs, according to the country’s minister for trade on Tuesday.

Trade Minister Craig Emerson warned parliament that Prime Minister Julia Gillard planned to oppose the measure, which was introduced by independent Sen. Nick Xenophon and the Greens party, and was expected to pass the House of Representatives after gaining approval from the Senate in June....